Baselard

The Baselard is a Swiss blade with a distinct I-shaped shaft. Some Baselards are known as Holbein Daggers, after a German artist who often portrayed them. It is usually one of the first encountered, and thus weakest, stabbing Daggers found in a game. In Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, it is normally used as a stabbing weapon, but can also be used as a slashing weapon by entering a special command. If the player holds down the attack button after the initial attack, Alucard will proceed to hold the dagger near his shoulder, acting like a shield for the purposes of projectile defense, though unable to further damage enemies until attacking again.